By Moses Patience Chat
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Rivers State has said its secret agents have discovered an illegal local refinery at Otamiri-Etche in Etche Local Government Area of the state.
The Commandant of NSCDC in Rivers State, Michael Ogar, disclosed this, while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Ogar said the discovery was made possible following a period of sustained intelligence gathering of its secret agents.
His words: “I must confess that this is the first time of witnessing a well fabricated illegal refinery with such a wide range of pipes laid across the area.
“We were able to uncover this illegal bunkering site based on sustained intelligence. The perpetrators tapped into Heirs Holding Oil and Gas facility through the pipeline bulk delivery and siphoned crude oil through carefully constructed pipes to their illegal local refinery.
“We have commenced intense investigation into the matter, someone must have given out this expanse of land to the bunkerers.”
Ogar added that NSCDC had a clear command to protect important national assets and infrastructure across the federation, and that without compromise, the Corps will go after them and ensure that the illegal dealings in petroleum products are reduced drastically in order to boost the nation’s economy again.
He also warned those still engaging in oil theft and operators of local refineries in the state to relocate or face the full wrath of the law.